From middle school to...middle school?

Some photos are just always awkward... 

Photos like ones before a middle school Girl Scout father daughter dance when your mom must have insisted on a prom-like stance...or your annual yearbook photo. (Yes, even as a teacher I still have to get one done each year - crazy...)

Case in point - though, thankfully, this time my yearbook photo isn't as awkward as years gone by:

It makes me laugh to think about how I got to where I am because, let's face it, teaching middle school was never on my radar as far as I can recall. (Who wants to teach hormonal teenagers and preteens?) I fall flat on my face (metaphorically speaking) every single day. I sometimes feel like I can never get things done because chances are someone will get a bloody nose, or fall out of a chair, or feel the need to comment on everything anyone else says, or make faces to get a classmate to laugh. (Yes, all of these happen more frequently than you might expect.)

And yet, they get my corny humor. They have real and deep conversations about their faith (even though there are often 50 superficial ones in between). They ask amazing questions. And, for the most part, they work really hard.

I love them - every. single. one. of. them, quirks and all. Middle school is an awkward time, let's face it, embrace it, and shoot for the best year yet!

Wedding Bells

Wedding bells rang for two of the most wonderful people this weekend...so glad we had a chance to be a part of it!

Love, love, love!

Year 10 - At it Again (A Poem)

Wouldn't you know it,
I'm at it again.
It doesn't seem easier
even though it's year 10.

Butterflies in my stomach
a lump in my throat;
teachers running between meetings -
we're in the same boat.

Class lists to analyze,
supplies to unpack,
new names to memorize,
routines to bring back.

It's all get to know you
and procedures, week one.
Then the year's off and running -
The work never seems done.

The grading, the planning,
and the stress never end.
But it's not just a job -
it's a vocation, my friend.

It's a joy and a challenge
all rolled up in one.
And each day is different,
Just breathe, have some fun.

Bonus! ;) 

Preliminary Photos:

Summer's coming to a close

All good things come to an end...especially summer...but not before some enjoyment, which includes but is not limited to the following:

1) Ice cream at Ritter's

2) The Detroit Zoo

3) Sunset on the lake

I also have done a bit of reading now that grad school has finished up. One book (originally recommended by a friend and then highlighted this summer by a guest lecturer) is called "Chosen." It's the story of two teenage boys from different Jewish sects growing up during World War II in New York. It's part coming-of-age, part insight into history and Judaism, and there was plenty of wisdom. I've included a few excerpts here:

---

---

School starts next week (for teachers, not kids!), and the emails have started coming slowly but surely. Reality is hitting...and I need to get cracking on some planning. Grad school will also start up again soon. It's going to be another rollercoaster ride this year - hold on tight!